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The Sausage Tree Kigelia africana grows throughout Africa and derives its name from the unusual 'sausage' shaped fruit that hang from its long stalks. They often grow to over a meter in length and can weigh up to 10kg. The hard, grey green fruit has a thin skin covering a firm, fibrous fruit pulp.

The tree grows prolifically throughout Southern Africa and is harvested from the wild, on a sustainable basis. The tree's fruit, bark, roots and leaves are all used for their curative properties. The extract used is composed of solvent extracts from the Kigelia africana fruit pulp.
Kigelia
Kigelia Tree


The tree contains a number of pharmaceutically active compounds providing potent anti-oxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activity.

Kigelia has a long history of use by rural African communities, particularly for its medicinal properties. Most commonly traditional healers have used the Sausage Tree to treat a wide range of skin ailments, from fungal infections and boils through to more serious diseases, such as snake bite and sun spots.

The Tonga women of the Zambezi Valley regularly apply cosmetic preparations of Kigelia fruit to their faces to ensure a blemish free complexion.

A significant body of scientific literature confirms the validity of many of the traditional uses of Kigelia. Several papers support the use of Kigelia extract for treating eczema, psoriasis and solar keratoses, while it is also active as a skin tightening and breast-firming agent.


The actions of Kigelia extract are numerous and include:

1. Slows the growth of over-productive skin cells, a common cause of many skin irritations.
2. Reduces damage caused by prolonged exposure to the sun.
3. Provides an anti-bacterial effect against various micro-organisms.
4. Strong antioxidants reduce lines and leave skin toned and vibrant.
5. Assists in the promotion of the skin's elasticity creating a firmer, smoother complexion for face and body.

The production of Kigelia Cream is structured to be beneficial to the conservation of biodiversity and the communities of people involved in accessing these natural resources. Kigelia extract suppliers are members of International Fair Trade Association and work closely with the World Conservation Union and People and Plants International.

Ananda Mahony ND is a naturopath and holistic skin specialist. Her practice focuses on the treatment of skin conditions. Ananda also owns Vitale Natural Skin & Body Care, a natural & organic skin care store in Paddington. www.vitalenatural.com.au

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Topical Ingredients for Eczema (LINK)

January 31st 2008 00:51
Eczema & atopic dermatitis are skin conditions that are characterised by chronic itching, dryness, redness and superficial inflammation of the skin. Constant scratching can also cause the skin to split, leaving it prone to infection. In infected eczema the skin may crack and weep (‘wet’ eczema).

The site of the eczema lesions the skin is often irritated and inflamed. Topical use of corticosteroids can damaged the underlying structure of the skin by stopping or reducing collagen production (collagen forms the underlying matrix or structure of the skin) In effect this means that skin healing is even more difficult. Topical creams that lessen inflammation and promote healing will reduce reliance on corticosteroids but in the long term also strengthen the skin. The other key factor is to keep the skin hydrated. Dry skin exacerbates eczema.

Emollients create a physical barrier on the skin helping to retain moisture. Emollients containing olive oil are useful in psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis treatment; they slow the loss of water through the skin layers and are also nourishing, helping to reduce inflammation and improve the texture of the skin.

Maintaining adequate moisture can relieve the pain of dry skin and reduce scaling and inflammation, without causing any side effects. Regularly applying thick lotions and creams directly to the skin is sometimes very effective in clearing the symptoms. A good rule of thumb is to use lotions on wet spots of eczema, and thicker creams and ointments on dry patches of skin.

Topical application of creams or salves that contain one or more of the following herbs may help relieve itching and redness as well as promote healing:

• Calendula officinalis – is anti-inflammatory and healing so ideal for skin repair.
• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) – is anti allergenic, anti inflammatory, and pain relieving. It is ideal for skin that is sensitive, red or dry and recommended for flaky, dry & itchy skin conditions.
• Manuka Honey - Active Manuka Honey is a great treatment for reducing the infection, inflammation and itching. There is scientific evidence that this form of treatment is effective in eliminating inflammation, itching and bacteria causing infection.
• Pumpkin seed extract – this is a rich source of zinc which is essential to skin healing.
• Birch Oil – analgesic and antiseptic which is especially good where there is pain and inflammation.
• Sausage Tree extract (Kigelia) - antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory
• Sesame Oil – anti-inflammatory

As well as topical agents, less frequent bathing and showering reduce the risk of the skin drying out (dry skin is more prone to eczema). Lukewarm water is best. Be wary of deodorant soaps, bubble baths, and perfumed products, all of which can worsen eczema.

Ananda Mahony ND is a naturopath and holistic skin specialist. Her practice focuses on the treatment of skin conditions. Ananda also owns Vitale Natural Skin & Body Care, a natural & organic skin care store in Paddington. www.vitalenatural.com.au
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Tender Loving Care for Hands (LINK)

January 29th 2008 00:46
Pamper your Palms

Our hands, almost always visible yet often ignored, easily show the effects of neglect. The backs of our hands feel the effect of constant washing, harsh detergents, sun exposure, lack of care and the list goes on. So it is important that we take the time to care for our hands, if not every day, then regularly. Treat your nails, cuticles and hands kindly and they will respond.

Start by Pampering Your Palms. All you need is some rich natural hand moisturiser to give your hands the care they deserve. Gently massage in the moisturiser until it has completely disappeared. It feels great, your skin looks better and it is relaxing. The new Third Stone Botanicals Lavender Hand Balm is ideal. Rich with Shea and Mango Butters, this is the perfect solution for hard-working hands. It’s very concentrated and creamy, so a little goes a long way. Third Stone Botanicals Lavender Hand Balm leaves hands soft and delicately scented with the subtle scent of lavender.

Exfoliate Your Hands. Don’t ask, just try! Grab some salt scrub or body scrub and massage the exfoliant into the top of your hands. Wash as usual and rinse. Apply moisturiser and feel the difference – have your hands ever felt more soft or smooth?

For your hands a little TLC will go a long way. Keep up the care, and you will definitely notice the difference.

www.vitalenatural.com.au
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Skin Detoxification (LINK)

January 28th 2008 00:37
Clear your complexion

Looking in the mirror do you see healthy glowing skin, or skin that could do with an overhaul? Black circles, puffy eyes, congested pores, lumps & bumps, dull skin, an oily T-zone? All of these could be signs your skin is congested and not detoxifying properly


[ Click here to read more ]
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Ethno botanical Actives for Skincare (LINK)

January 18th 2008 08:36
In this two-part article Lisa Phipps, creator of Remedica Australia, writes about unique skin care ingredients from Africa.

African oils or Vegetals are no longer just popularly linked to ceremonies and tribal folklore


[ Click here to read more ]
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SUNSCREENS - the good, the bad & the ugly (LINK)

December 21st 2007 02:38
There is much misinformation and hype surrounding the topic of suntanning, burning, cancer and sunscreens. In this issue we will attempt to decode the catchphrases and steer you in the right direction.

The most obvious and important issue is that in Australia we enjoy a climate which sends us outdoors for much of the year and we are living under one of the thinnest sections of the earth’s protective ozone layer. It is well established that the UV radiation that beats down on us is harsher and more direct than in many other parts of the world. So what is this UV radiation and what are its effects


[ Click here to read more ]
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Cold Pressed Soap (LINK)

December 13th 2007 01:29
The use and manufacture of soap is reported as far back as Babylonia circa 2200BC. Even further back in history the discovery of soap reportedly occurred when fat from cooking dripped into fire ashes and the chemical reaction that took place created soap. A few refinements and the process of soap making essentially remained the same including early commercial production until the 1920’s when synthetic soaps were first developed.

A traditional cold pressed soap is made by reacting fats or oils together with lye, a solution of caustic soda or caustic potash dissolved in water. The fats and oils used may be derived from animal or vegetable sources, with Castile soaps, a particular type originating from Castile in Spain, made from olive oil. Other oils employed in the manufacture of cold pressed soaps include coconut oil, castor oil, palm oil and rice bran oil in combination with olive oil. Ingredients such as essential oils, natural clays, honey, flowers and oatmeal may be added to create individual soaps that sometimes look like works of art


[ Click here to read more ]
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Say goodbye to premenstrual symptoms

It has recently come to light that a lot of women of childbearing age are experiencing extreme mood swings and are even demonstrating violent behaviour. Until recently; medical Professionals have discovered that it is attributed to an inbalance in the hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Tea tree oil plantation
Tea Tree oil is a natural antiseptic

Tea tree oil is made by an extraction (distillation) process using the twigs and leaves of the Australian native, Melaleuca alterniflora. It is an antiseptic, fungicide and a mild solvent.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Red Grapes
Grape seed oil comes from red grapes
Usually produced in Italy or France; grape seed oil is pressed from the seeds and skins of red grapes.

It is believed that a diet high in fatty acids such as those that are in grape seed oil; may account for the lower rate of heart disease in Europe(France in particular) then in America and other western countries.

[ Click here to read more ]
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www.dreamstime.com

Vitamins are chemically organic substances that contain carbon.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Colloidal minerals are trace minerals that are taken up from the soil by plants and converted to a soluble format that can be readily absorbed by the body.

They are rich in minerals and trace elements that are essential to the body to enable absorption of vitamins and normal function such as ; cell replacement and immunity, as well as eliminating a lot of common disorders.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Ginko Biloba
Ginko Biloba leaves

A plant that has survived the planet for over 200 million years; Ginko biloba might just be what you need to improve your memory and focus.

[ Click here to read more ]
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St.John's Wort
St. Johns's Wort Flower


Dating back as far as St. John of Jerusalem who was said to have used it as a lotion to soothe battle wounds. St. John's Wort has been found to be a beneficial herb indeed, with a range of healing and therapeutic benefits.
[ Click here to read more ]
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